Palestinian President Abbas Announces Elections After Two Decades

[Awwal]

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has officially announced plans to hold new elections, with legislative elections scheduled for November 2026 and presidential elections expected in early 2027. The announcement marks a significant political development after many years without national elections.

Abbas, who is now 90 years old, was elected president in 2005 for a four-year term. However, no presidential election has taken place since then, and he has continued to lead the Palestinian Authority through presidential decrees.

According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, the decree provides a roadmap for both legislative and presidential elections. Abbas also stated that preparations would include elections for the Palestinian National Council and participation by Palestinians living both inside and outside the Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian National Council serves as the parliament of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and represents Palestinians across the world. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen political representation and democratic processes within Palestinian institutions.

The last legislative election was held in 2006, when Hamas defeated Abbas' Fatah movement. Since then, the Palestinian Legislative Council has remained inactive, reflecting the long-standing political divisions within Palestinian politics.

Political observers say there is growing international pressure and local demand for elections. However, major challenges remain, including uncertainty over voting arrangements in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Similar concerns led to the postponement of planned elections in 2021, despite earlier announcements by Abbas.

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